Fireworks in D.C. Still on Despite Tropical Storm Threat

Spectators line the National Mall from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial to view the Fourth of July Independence Day fireworks display in Washington, DC. (Photo credit: SHAWN THEW/AFP/Getty Images)

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WASHINGTON — Despite initial concerns that Tropical Storm Arthur could compromise the July 4th fireworks in Washington on Friday, the National Mall and Memorial Parks Service says it won’t cancel the display, barring heavy wind or lightning.

The National Weather Service predicts a chance of showers before noon on Friday, with partly cloudy skies and a high of 83 degrees and a 20 percent chance of rain. In the evening, the temperature could dip down into the low 60s.

In case of lightning or strong winds, National Mall and Memorial Parks spokeswoman Carol Bradley Johnson said Wednesday that the fireworks display, scheduled to begin at 9:10 p.m., will be rescheduled to Saturday. She says the biggest concern is rain early in the day, which could have an impact on the setup.